Ever look back at your old journals and feel a wave of compassion for your younger, perhaps more lost, self? 😢 In this deeply personal Sinead Says episode, I'm in my childhood bedroom, sharing raw entries from my diaries.

Join me as I revisit the anxieties, the heartbreaks, the search for self-belief, and the invaluable lessons learned. We explore actual entries, including:

• 00:00:45 - The Power & Benefits of Journaling
• 00:06:12 - Journal Entry: Feeling Strong Travelling Alone (After Breakup)
• 00:08:14 - Journal Entry: "Pain is Temporary" - Coping with Anxiety
• 00:11:32 - Journal Entry: Reflecting on Real Love & Being Ready to Feel Again
• 00:14:15 - Journal Entry: Lessons on Resilience & Choosing Kindness (Farm Work Story)
• 00:16:49 - Journal Entry: Rock Bottom Moments & Processing Pain
• 00:24:11 - Journal Entry: Navigating Anxiety & Fear of Commitment in Relationships
• 00:25:58 - How Therapy Helped Me Trust Myself Again
• 00:27:38 - An Inspiring Quote: "Seek work that you love..."

This episode is a vulnerable reminder that our past shapes us, and understanding that "lost girl" helps us appreciate how far we've come. Journaling can be an incredible tool for that growth.

✨ This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp - Online Therapy. ✨
It's Mental Health Awareness Month! Therapy was a game-changer for me. Get 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/sinead #ad

Listen now for a journey through vulnerability, healing, and self-discovery.

“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou

✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB!
Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off.
Visit The Brave Meditation Hub

Connect with Sinead & explore all resources:
The Brave Way Resources

Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth.

More from Sinead:

• Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course
• How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook)
• Relationships Ebook
• Monday Musings Weekly Email

Follow:

• Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram
• Sinead Hegarty on Instagram

Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

Ever wondered why your first experience with love was so intense and how it might still be affecting you?  In this episode of Sinead Says, I'm sharing my first love story – the good, the bad, and the intensely toxic moments – and unpacking the crucial lessons it taught me about emotions, heartbreak, and the long-lasting impact of young love. We explore why these early experiences can be so damaging and discuss practical ways to heal, build emotional intelligence, and foster healthier relationships in the future. 

Timestamps:

* 00:00 Intro & Weeks Flying By!
* 00:26 Life Update: Big Trip Coming!
* 01:45 Today's Topic: Mastering Your Emotions from Young Love
* 02:09 Content Note: Serious Discussion Ahead
* 02:31 Sponsored by BetterHelp Online Therapy
* 03:32 Book Club Insights: First Experiences of Love
* 05:19 My Intense & Toxic First Relationship Story
* 06:17 Emotional Manipulation: A Common, Painful Experience
* 08:22 How Early Relationships Shaped Me (and maybe you too!)
* 10:37 The Need for Better Emotional Education
* 11:03 "Self Science" - Learning About Our Own Emotions
* 13:42 Why Young Love & Heartbreak Feels SO Overwhelming
* 16:25 Ways We Can Support & Heal:
* 16:25 - Normalising Grief & Pain
* 18:35 - Teaching Emotional Regulation Early
* 20:03 - Understanding Emotions: Hurt, Frustration, Fear, Guilt
* 24:36 - Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability
* 25:15 - Challenging Love Myths & Unrealistic Expectations
* 26:34 - The Role of Creativity & Individual Identity
* 29:00 Book Spotlight: "Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman
* 30:46 Key Takeaways: Emotional Regulation is Learned
* 31:14 Closing Thoughts & How to Get Support

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more honest conversations and insights on the Sinead Says Podcast!
💬 COMMENT below: What did your first love teach you about emotions? Or what advice would you give your younger self?

🎁 Special thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! #AD Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/sinead

“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou

✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB!
Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off.
Visit The Brave Meditation Hub

Connect with Sinead & explore all resources:
The Brave Way Resources

Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth.

More from Sinead:

• Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course
• How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook)
• Relationships Ebook
• Monday Musings Weekly Email

Follow:

• Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram
• Sinead Hegarty on Instagram

Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

Think love is about finding "the one"? It's not. I break down why commitment—not perfection—is what really makes a relationship work 💥.

In this episode, I share what I’ve learned from Conversations on Love:

• Why there’s no “right” person, just the right effort.
• How sex changes when your bond is secure.
• What really shows love—because words aren’t enough.

I’ve got personal stories too (wait till you hear about the limoncello fight over a Garmin charger 😂), some therapy insights, and Sam joins me for a real chat about what we wish we knew about love.

Single? In a relationship? Just want to figure love out? This one’s for you.

Belfast event : The Future is Female (use code sinead for discount)

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future-is-female-tickets-1295647098349?aff=oddtdtcreator

🎁 Special thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! #AD Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/sinead

“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou

✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB!
Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off.
Visit The Brave Meditation Hub

Connect with Sinead & explore all resources:
The Brave Way Resources

Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth.

More from Sinead:

• Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course
• How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook)
• Relationships Ebook
• Monday Musings Weekly Email

Follow:

• Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram
• Sinead Hegarty on Instagram

Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

Feeling stuck or uninspired? Here's why learning something new could change your brain and your life.

In this season opener, Sinead Hegarty brings a refreshing wave of energy and wisdom, reflecting on her recent personal milestones and what she's been learning along the way. From studying positive psychology to completing a half marathon, Sinead draws compelling links between everyday habits and brain-enhancing science.

She dives deep into how learning new things boosts neuroplasticity, memory, and even emotional regulation by strengthening your brain’s gray matter and prefrontal cortex. Through heartfelt personal stories and scientific insights, she reveals how meditation and learning spark dopamine, build cognitive reserves, and even mimic the psychological effects of “runner’s high.”

Future episodes promise to explore relationships, early love, and spiritual growth, all through a psychology-backed lens.

🎧 If you’re ready to feel inspired, mentally sharper, and more connected to your purpose, this episode is your sign to press play.

🎁 Special thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! #AD Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/sinead

✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB!
Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off.
Visit The Brave Meditation Hub

Connect with Sinead & explore all resources:
The Brave Way Resources

Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth.

More from Sinead:

• Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course
• How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook)
• Relationships Ebook
• Monday Musings Weekly Email

Follow:

• Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram
• Sinead Hegarty on Instagram

Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

This episode delves into toxic behaviours, manipulation, and emotional dynamics, explaining why some people exhibit toxic tendencies and how understanding psychology can provide closure and personal growth.

🎁 Special thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! #AD Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/sinead

“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou

✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB!
Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off.
Visit The Brave Meditation Hub

Connect with Sinead & explore all resources:
The Brave Way Resources

Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth.

More from Sinead:

• Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course
• How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook)
• Relationships Ebook
• Monday Musings Weekly Email

Follow:

• Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram
• Sinead Hegarty on Instagram

Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

Brian Pennie shares his journey from a 15-year heroin addiction to becoming a neuroscientist and speaker. He explains how childhood trauma, particularly an unmedicated surgery as an infant, played a role in his struggles with anxiety and addiction. Through deep self-awareness, acceptance, and resilience, he was able to break free from his addiction and dedicate his life to studying neuroscience and helping others.

🎁 Special thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! #AD Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/sinead

00:00:20 - Growing Up in a Tough NeighboUrhood
00:01:37 - First Encounter with Drugs
00:02:22 - Falling into Addiction
00:03:56 - Living as a Functional Addict
00:10:38 - The Deception of Addiction
00:12:40 - The Power of Acceptance
00:14:01 - Realisation and Acceptance
00:16:59 - Previous Attempts to Change
00:17:52 - The Turning Point
00:19:02 - Finding a New Direction
00:20:28 - Discovering Spirituality
00:21:48 - The Power of Belief and Support
00:23:02 - Journey into Neuroscience
00:24:29 - Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
00:24:51 - Changing the System
00:30:00 - The Power of Breathwork
00:32:42 - The Need for Meditation and Breathwork in Schools
00:37:23 - Understanding and Regulating Emotions
00:37:58 - The Importance of Action and Practice
00:45:03 - The Power of Self-Talk
00:45:44 - Understanding Self-Talk and Inner Critic
00:47:09 - Challenging Negative Self-Talk and Limiting Beliefs
00:49:20 - Overcoming Fear and Embracing Imperfection
00:55:00 - The Impact of Mindfulness and Meditation
00:55:48 - Different Approaches to Mindfulness and Meditation
00:56:34 - The Role of Trauma in Meditation Practice
00:59:50 - The Power of Mindfulness and Breath work
01:00:57 - Finding Inner Peace Through Meditation
01:01:01 - Returning to Spirituality and Mindfulness
01:02:05 - Future Projects and Where to Find Brian

Links & Resources Mentioned
 • “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk (mentioned at [00:02:52]) – A book explaining how trauma affects the body and mind.

“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou

✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB!
Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off.
Visit The Brave Meditation Hub

Connect with Sinead & explore all resources:
The Brave Way Resources

Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth.

More from Sinead:

• Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course
• How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook)
• Relationships Ebook
• Monday Musings Weekly Email

Follow:

• Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram
• Sinead Hegarty on Instagram

Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

🚨 The boys are taking over! 🚨 While Sinead is away, Stu and Sam step up to answer the burning questions about dating, ghosting, love bombing, and everything in between. Ever wondered what really goes on in a guy’s head when he stops replying or showers you with attention? We’re breaking it ALL down.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🔥 Love Bombing – Do Guys Know They’re Doing It?

🔥 Ghosting – Is It Ever Justified or Just a Cop-Out?

🔥 Why Men Act Distant After Seeming Super Into You

🔥 How Guys REALLY Feel About Playing Hard to Get

🔥 Dating in 2024 – The Unspoken Rules No One Talks About

🔥 When to Call It a Red Flag vs. When to Give It Time

💡 PLUS: The chaos of dating in Sydney vs. London, unfiltered guy talk on first-date etiquette, and why some guys just can’t commit.

This Episode is for You if…

✅ You’ve ever been ghosted and need closure (or just entertainment).

✅ You want raw, honest answers from guys on why they act the way they do.

✅ You’re navigating modern dating and want to decode the mixed signals.

✅ You love a no-filter, real-talk convo that’s part dating advice, part absolute madness.

🎁 Special thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! #AD Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/sinead

“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou

✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB!
Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off.
Visit The Brave Meditation Hub

Connect with Sinead & explore all resources:
The Brave Way Resources

Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth.

More from Sinead:

• Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course
• How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook)
• Relationships Ebook
• Monday Musings Weekly Email

Follow:

• Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram
• Sinead Hegarty on Instagram

Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

Ever feel like life is pulling you in every direction, and you don’t know what’s next? 😵‍💫 You’re not alone.

This free intention-setting meditation is designed to help you:
🌱 Find clarity & direction when you feel lost
💫 Manifest abundance, peace & fulfillment
🧘‍♀️ Recenter yourself & step into your highest self
🔮 Let the universe guide you—while you stay aligned with joy & purpose

✨ What You’ll Experience:
→ A guided meditation to help you set powerful intentions
→ Affirmations to shift your energy & mindset instantly
→ A space to let go, reset, and reconnect with yourself

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, this meditation will help you reset your mindset and move forward with confidence.

👉 Want more meditations? Sign up for The Brave Way Hub & get exclusive access! The Brave Meditation Hub - Use code "MEDITATE" for 20% off

📥 Loved this meditation? DM me on Instagram @sineadsayspod & let me know what intention you’re setting today! 💛

✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB!
Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off.
Visit The Brave Meditation Hub

Connect with Sinead & explore all resources:
The Brave Way Resources

Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth.

More from Sinead:

• Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course
• How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook)
• Relationships Ebook
• Monday Musings Weekly Email

Follow:

• Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram
• Sinead Hegarty on Instagram

Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

What Do a Viral GAA Catfish Scandal and Molly-Mae’s Latest Documentary Have in Common? More Than You Might Think… 👀

At first glance, the GAA Catfish scandal and Molly-Mae’s documentary seem completely different—one is about deception, the other about personal growth. But both stories highlight something we see every day: the power of perception, the illusions created on social media, and the role intention plays in shaping our reality.

🔍 Inside This Episode:

🔹 The GAA Catfish & The Illusion of Identity – This wild story proves how easy it is to manipulate perception online. It raises huge questions about why people create false personas and why we fall for them.

🔹 Molly-Mae & The Pressure of Public Image – On the other side, Molly-Mae’s documentary explores how public perception affects self-worth, and how the pressure to be seen a certain way can lead to living up to an illusion rather than your authentic self.

🔹 The Role of Intention – Whether it’s a fake identity or a curated highlight reel, both stories remind us that we shape our own reality—consciously or unconsciously. The key is intentionality: Are you building a life that’s true to you, or one designed to impress others?

🔹 How This Ties into Manifestation – The way we present ourselves, the stories we tell, and the intentions we set shape our lives more than we realize. Whether we’re manifesting success or falling into the trap of external validation, our intentions determine the reality we experience.

At the core of both stories is a big question:
👉 Are we in control of our identity, or is social media controlling it for us?

🎁 Special thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! #AD Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/sinead

“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou

✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB!
Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off.
Visit The Brave Meditation Hub

Connect with Sinead & explore all resources:
The Brave Way Resources

Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth.

More from Sinead:

• Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course
• How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook)
• Relationships Ebook
• Monday Musings Weekly Email

Follow:

• Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram
• Sinead Hegarty on Instagram

Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that so many women struggle with—how to break free from self-consciousness and finally feel at home in your own body. From societal conditioning to personal breakthroughs, we’re exploring how to cultivate presence, confidence, and true freedom in your everyday life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🌸 Why Women Struggle to Be Fully Present
Discover how societal expectations and self-consciousness keep us stuck and how to change the narrative.

🌸 Shifting from Self-Judgment to Self-Love
Learn how to embrace your body as it is, and let go of perfectionism and comparison.

🌸 Practical Tips for Confidence and Freedom
Actionable advice to feel more grounded, joyful, and confident every day.

🌸 How to Cultivate a Mindful and Empowered Life
Simple practices to help you focus on what truly matters and create a life you love.

Key Takeaways:

• Women often miss out on life’s moments because of self-conscious thoughts—here’s how to change that.
• You are not alone in feeling this way; understanding this can empower you to grow.
• Seeing real bodies, shifting your perspective, and letting go of societal expectations can set you free.

Favorite Quote from the Episode:
"It's so hard for us to exist fully in our own bodies when we’re taught to constantly observe them."

This Episode is Perfect For:

• Women ready to stop judging themselves and start living fully.
• Anyone who feels held back by societal standards or self-doubt.
• Listeners looking for actionable steps to build confidence and presence.

🎁 Special thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! #AD Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/sinead

📚 MENTIONED BOOKS:
Woman Living Deliciously

“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou

✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB!
Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off.
Visit The Brave Meditation Hub

Connect with Sinead & explore all resources:
The Brave Way Resources

Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth.

More from Sinead:

• Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course
• How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook)
• Relationships Ebook
• Monday Musings Weekly Email

Follow:

• Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram
• Sinead Hegarty on Instagram

Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd